16mm and 8mm Cameras Becoming HD Digital
 

Check out this youtube. I thought as first he was using a GoPro to make the conversion, but he's using an off the shelf cheapo. I'm thinking about doing this with an 8mm camera, however the frame size is smaller, 3.3mm x 4.5mm to be exact. Can anyone tell me if there are any security HD cameras that can meet these specs?

Here's the youtube.

It would be nice if the original buttons and knobs can be made functional to the new conversion.This is the camera I want to convert.

Bolex Collector | Cameras | B-8L

I have no intention of destroying a beautiful antique, I only want to use a non functioning camera as the guts aren't needed. There are ton of broken Bolex and Bell and Howell 8mm and 16mm cine cameras on ebay and I think it would be cool to see them gain new life in the digital HD world as this kid did with a Filmo.

Re: 16mm and 8mm Cameras Becoming HD Digital
 

Here is what's being proposed for super 8 film cameras, and has already been done in the Arriflex 16 SR 3.

Nolab Digital Super 8 Cartridge to Breathe New Life into Old Super 8 Film Cameras

Arri SR3 digital magazine.

P+S Technik 16Digital SR Mag Will Make Arri 16mm Camera an HD Camcorder | Studio Daily

Re: 16mm and 8mm Cameras Becoming HD Digital
 

Interesting find, thank you. Are you sure he's using and OTS cheapo? That sensor looks rather large and he has a lot of manual control. I'm thinking its out of a stills camera, probably a cheapo. Otherwise, there are a lot of sensors in low end camcorders around and smaller than 4mm. Very interested to see how you get on.

Re: 16mm and 8mm Cameras Becoming HD Digital
 

From what I understand the NoLab digital super 8 cartridge is only in the planning stages. It seems to be a massive technical undertaking. Its just that there has been a retro chic revival in recent years and from what I've seen this kid do with the Filmo, it looks relatively cheap. You can pick up a broken Filmo or something similar on ebay with lenses of less than a hundred bucks.

Re: 16mm and 8mm Cameras Becoming HD Digital
 

Do you know of any specific models of HD cheapos with small sensors?

Re: 16mm and 8mm Cameras Becoming HD Digital
 

Anything with high zoom range should do it, the Canon HFR 406 sensor is 2.92mm X 2.16mm, around $250 if you shop around and want to buy new.

Re: 16mm and 8mm Cameras Becoming HD Digital
 

Thanks. The Bolex 8L and some of the others in that series are really pretty and would certainly add some retro style.